Florida Congressman Charged with Cocaine Possession

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Florida Congressman Henry "Trey" Radel has been charged with cocaine possession after what a federal law enforcement official describes as a "buy and bust" operation.

A Drug Enforcement Administration official says the first-term Republican bought cocaine from an undercover agent in a Washington, D.C., neighborhood on Oct. 29. Later that night, federal authorities went to his apartment and informed him that he would be facing criminal charges related to the purchase.

Radel is expressing regret over the incident. In a statement, the 37-year-old lawmaker says he struggles with alcoholism and intends to seek treatment and counseling. Radel made no mention of his political future but says he had made an "extremely irresponsible choice" and let down his family and his constituents.

Radel is scheduled to appear Wednesday morning in District of Columbia Superior Court.

The cocaine possession charge, a misdemeanor, carries a statutory maximum of six months in prison and a fine of $1,000.

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